Lionel Messi is preparing to take center stage in the FIFA World Cup for the fifth and final time in his unforgettable career.
The Argentine icon, who is 35, admitted ahead of the November 20 kick-off that Qatar 2022 will be his final tournament. As a result, fans across the globe have one question on their mind: will La Pulga finally get his hands on this trophy?
The South American giants head into this competition as the Copa America champions and are in tremendous form, having beaten Euro 2020 winners Italy in Finalissima during the summer. It's for this reason that Argentina are seen as one of the favorites.
However, Messi disagrees with this notion. Despite being the Albiceleste captain, Leo was humble about his country's odds when asked to choose the three favorites.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner did not pick Argentina, instead opting for three other countries, including bitter continental rivals Brazil, who are led by his close friend and club teammate Neymar.
But who are the two other favorites in Lionel's eyes? The Barcelona icon has given defending champions France his vote of confidence, as well as Euro 2020 runners-up England, who look to get their hands on this trophy for the first time since 1966.
"Whenever we talk about candidates, we always talk about the same teams," Messi told CONMEBOL, as per Sky Sports.
"If I have to put some above others I think Brazil, France, and England are a little bit above the rest. But the World Cup is so difficult and so complicated that anything can happen."
The Selecao, Les Bleus, and the Three Lions are arguably the three most star-studded teams at the tournament. However, balance, form, and belief are other factors that can tremendously affect the outcome of Qatar 2022.
This is something Argentina have in abundance. Lionel Scaloni's squad enjoys brilliant chemistry and is a united pack both on and off the pitch. Nonetheless, Messi refuses to get ahead of himself, stressing that La Albiceleste must take this competition game by game.
"We are very excited. We have a very nice group that is very eager, but we think about going little by little," Leo added.
"We hope to start the World Cup in the best way to face everything that comes after. The more you play and the more time you spend on the pitch, the more you get to know each other."
The South American giants have won the FIFA World Cup two times before but their last success came way back in 1986 under the late Diego Maradona. The Copa America champions kick off their campaign on November 22, taking on Saudi Arabia in their opening fixture before later facing off against Mexico and Poland.
